Watch Out for 6 Common Winter Fire Hazards

It’s winter, which means there’s a hint of magic in the air. Here in the Twin Cities, most of us are already thinking about putting up our holiday decorations or picking up items for our holiday shopping list. But ask any first responder and they’ll tell you magic isn’t the only thing in the air during the holidays. There’s also plenty of smoke.

Unfortunately, winter brings with it a host of fire hazards. According to research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the months of December through February are when heating fires are most common, and half of home decoration fires in December are started by candles.

In this post from our Twin Cities fire restoration experts at Restoration Network, we’re breaking down the most common winter fire hazards to help keep families safe. When you need fire damage cleanup, give us a call.

1. Real Christmas Trees

Live Christmas trees are incredibly fragrant and beautiful. But they can also become a serious fire hazard when they begin to dry out. Be sure your Christmas tree is given plenty of water every day, and make sure all of your holiday light cords are in good working condition without any damage or frays.

Additionally, be careful not to overload your outlets in your efforts to deck the halls.

Keep your Christmas tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, furnaces, radiators, candles, space heaters, and heat vents. If you just can’t resist taking that iconic holiday picture with a lit fireplace and Christmas tree, keep your tree at least three feet away from the fireplace’s side and ten feet in front.

Lastly, don’t forget to throw away your tree when Christmas is over, especially if it is all dried out because it can more easily catch on fire.

2. Candles

With the darker skies and longer nights, there’s nothing like lighting a few candles for winter ambience, especially when you’re serving up a holiday dinner. But during the holiday months, candle fire reports rise significantly.

Consider using artificial LED candles, an affordable alternative that comes without the risk of real candles.

To keep your home safe when using real candles, make sure candles are at least a foot away from anything combustible or flammable. Never use candles late at night when there’s a chance you could fall asleep. And keep them out of reach of small children and pets.

Finally, make sure all of your candles are out before you leave the room.

3. Fireplaces

Relaxing in front of a toasty hearth is one of winter’s purest pleasures. But it can also lead to injury or death when it isn’t done safely. Always make sure the flue is open, as carbon monoxide can build up in your home and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Never leave a fire unattended, and be sure flammable objects are nowhere near your fireplace.

Finally, consider having your fireplace checked by a professional before using it each year.

4. Space Heaters

Space heaters are one of the leading causes of fires and deaths during the winter months, and most fires are caused by space heaters placed near combustibles or flammable items.

Never leave your space heater on while you’re sleeping, and be sure to turn off your space heater when you’re not present to keep an eye on it.

Additionally, make sure your space heater is at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire.

5. Electrical Lighting

Glowing, sparkling, twinkling lights and festive displays can be seen from miles away in the sky, but so can fires, which is why it is crucial to set up your lights the right way. The main reason electrical lightning causes fire hazards during the holidays is when it is old or damaged.

Look for Christmas lights with frayed wires, loose light bulbs, and worn strands, and replace them. Also, never overload your lights in an electrical outlet, and try to use energy-efficient options.

Don’t forget to turn off your lights when you go to sleep, although it may be hard to forget!

6. Cooking

The holidays are all about gathering around, sharing gifts, and eating homemade food. A lot of work goes into cooking, so make sure your kitchen space is clean of all fire hazards.

Don’t leave ovens and hot appliances unattended; keep flammable goods away from ovens, stoves, and hot appliances.

If you have ever heard the phrase “there are too many cooks in the kitchen,” hold that is your motto for winter cooking. Scurrying and begging pets and active children make the kitchen unsafe, not just because of fires. Overcrowding can cause you to misplace something, forget to turn off an appliance or take something out of the oven, causing it to burn.

It is also difficult to tell where to clean when there are too many people around, and you should clean up your kitchen frequently to avoid grease fires.

Protect Your Home From Fire Hazards

Don’t take a chance on fire or carbon monoxide poisoning this winter. Be sure your family has a fire safety plan and everyone knows exactly what to do in the event of a fire.

And don’t forget to check your carbon monoxide detectors once a month. Consider adding it to your digital calendar so you get a reminder!

If you need fire damage restoration after a winter fire, Restoration Network is here to help. Give us a call at 612-564-0202 or contact us online to connect with a member of our team and restore your home today.